Conversion kit for electroplating apparatus

ABSTRACT

Means are provided for using a single electroplating barrel with either disc type or dangler type plating cathode conductors. A bearing ring assembly that is permanently secured to each transverse end wall of the electroplating barrel is used with both types of cathodes. When using the dangler type cathode conductor, nylon bearing means and a Teflon washer and bearing ring are inserted to each bearing ring assembly and a dangler is then passed through each bearing ring from a position external of the barrel to terminate inwardly of the barrel in the usual manner. When using the disc type cathode conductors, suitable rubber sealing rings and Teflon bushings are used in conjunction with a metallic bearing stud shaft that extends outwardly of the drum and which terminates in the conventional hangerbearing assembly.

May 16, 1972 CONVERsION KIT FOR ELECTROPLATING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 4,1971 3 Sheets-$heet 1 I V v INVENTOR. M41769 SCHUMACWER May 16, 1972 w.SCHUMACHER CONVERSION KIT FOR ELECTROPLATING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed Jan.

INVENTOR. ML 751? SCHUMACHER y 16, 1972 w. SCHUMACHER 3,663,410

CONVERjION' KIT FOR ELECTROPLATING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 1, 1971 3Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.3 FIG.4

1 N VE N TO R. ltqz rm Sam/mam? "United States Patent Ofice 3,663,410Patented May 16, 1972 3,663,410 CONVERSION KIT FOR ELECTROPLATINGAPPARATUS Walter Schumacher, Valley Stream, N.Y., assignor to AlbertsPlating Works, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y. Filed Jan. 4, 1971, Ser. No. 103,631Int. Cl. C23b 5/78 U.S. Cl. 204-213 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREMeans are provided for using a single electroplating barrel with eitherdisc type or dangler type plating cathode conductors. A bearing ringassembly that is permanently secured to each transverse end wall of theelectroplating barrel is used with both types of cathodes. When usingthe dangler type cathode conductor, nylon bearing means and a Teflonwasher and bearing ring are inserted into each bearing ring assembly anda dangler is then passed through each bearing ring from a positionexternal of the barrel to terminate inwardly of the barrel in the usualmanner. When using the disc type cathode conductors, suitable rubbersealing rings and Teflon bushings are used in conjunction with ametallic bearing stud shaft that extends outwardly of the drum and whichterminates in the conventional hanger bearing assembly.

This invention relates generally to electroplating ap paratus and moreparticularly to a kit for converting the rotary barrel of electroplatingapparatus from the dangler type cathode conductor to the disc typecathode conductor and vice versa.

In electroplating, by the use of mechanism of the barrel type, it iscustomary to employ a rotating cylinder that is immersed within anelectrolyte. Materials that are to be plated are deposited within theconfines of the barrel. In the past, two different types of barrels havebeen employed. The first is called the dangler type because the cathodeconductors extend through the end walls of the barrel and their freeends are loosely positioned within the interior of the barrel. Thesecond or disc type has cathode conductors that are secured to theinterior surface of the transverse end walls of the barrel. For bothtypes of apparatus anodes are positioned on the exterior of the barrelsand within the tanks that contain the electrolyte.

It is conventional in the electroplating art to provide means forraising and lowering the barrel out of and into the solution containedwithin the tank. It is also conventional to provide drive means externalof the tank, the drive means cooperating with gears mounted on the outersurface of the barrel for angularly driving the barrels when it isimmersed in the electrolyte. It is well 'known, particularly in theplating art, that the disc type cathode conductors have certainadvantages when particular types of workpieces such as relatively largecomponents are to be plated. Similarly, the dangler type cathodeconductor has its own advantages, for example, when flat components thattend to stick together are to be plated. The particular type of cathodeconductor selected depends upon the size and shape of the workpiece tobe plated.

It has been customary in the past for electroplaters to purchase abarrel or cylinder with either the disc type or the dangler type cathodeconductor for specific types of work. However, as frequently happens,the electroplater must convert from one type of work to another and thishas usually entailed the use of a different type of barrel with adifferent conductor. It will be readily apparent that the cost formaintaining two separate plating installations is excessively costly.Quite apart from the unnecessary duplication of equipment is the factthat when one type of plating apparatus is being used, the other willfrequently be unused.

A typical example of the prior art is described in US. Pat. 'No.2,315,272 issued to K. T. Potthoff on Mar. 30, 1943. While the patenteestates that the barrel is the same for both the dangler and the disctypes of cathode conductor, he nevertheless fabricates the barrel fromseparate end plates that are secured to the cylindrical portion by meansof bolts. With this type of construction it is then possible for thepatentee to alter the inside surface of the end plates to accommodatethe dangler type cathode conductor. It is apparent that what thepatentee intends is to use dilferent end plates for each type of cathodeconductor and thus, in effect, require two different barrels.

By way of contrast, the present invention utilizes only a single barrelthe end plates and cylindrical portion of which are molded as anintegral unit. No bolts are required, nor are seals for eliminatingleakage. Each end plate in the present invention has a single centralbore that accommodates either one of two different sets of components.The first set of components permits a disc type of cathode conductor tobe removably attached to the inside surface of the end walls. The secondset of components permits the use of a dangler type cathode conductorthat extends through the end walls of the same barrel that was used withthe disc type cathode conductor. Thus, the basic concept of the presentinvention is in direct contrast to the prior art.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provideimproved electroplating apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kit whereby asingle electroplating barrel may be used with two different types ofcathode conductors.

An important feature of the present invention is that a singleelectroplating barrel may be converted so as to be usable with eitherone of two different types of cathode conductors without the need forspecial tools or skills.

Other and further objects and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent in the following description when considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the conversion kit comprising thepresent invention wherein a dangler type of cathode conductor isemployed;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the conversion kit comprising thepresent invention illustrating the use of a disc type cathode conductor;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view, partially insection, illustrating a portion of a typical end wall of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1 together with a dangler type cathode conductor; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view, partially insection, illustrating the disc type cathode conductor shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to the drawing and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shownan electroplating system that includes a perforated, polypropyleneplating barrel 10. There is also provided a tank 12 for an electrolyteand a motor 14 mounted on an extension 16 of the tank 12. Speed reducermeans 18, mounted on the extension 16 and driven by the motor 14,includes an output pinion (not shown) that is adapted to meshinglyengage with a drive gear 20 when the barrel 10 is lowered into the tank12. Another gear 22 coaxially mounted on the same shaft as gear 20 ispermanently in meshing engagement with a ring gear 24 that is mounted onan end Wall of the barrel 10. The aforementioned structure provides forrotation of the barrel 10.

Means not shown are provided for raising and lowering the barrel intoand out of the tank 12 so that the gear 20 meshingly engages with thegear of the speed reducer means 18. Further, bus bar means 26 areprovided externally of the barrel in order to mate with contact means 28positioned on top of tank 12, when the barrel 10 is lowered into thetank 12. In FIG. 2 the bus bar means are designated by the referencecharacter 26. All of the foregoing is conventional in the electroplatingart.

Referring now particularly to the barrel 10 it will be seen that it issubstantially cylindrical in transverse cross section but it should beclearly understood that the invention is not so limited. The barrel 10may also be octagonal or polyogonal. The barrel 10 includes aperforated, circumferential wall 30 and a plurality of longitudinallyextending, thickened ribs 32 for structural purposes. One portion of thewall 30 is removable so as to define an access door 34 that is securedto the barrel 10 by means of conventional spring clips 36. End walls 38of the barrel 10 are solid and are molded integrally with thepolypropylene barrel 10. A conventional dangler type cathode 40 extendsthrough a central opening 39 formed in each of the end walls 38.

Since both end walls 38 are substantially the same only one need bedescribed. Reference may now be had to FIG. 3 for a detailed discussionof one aspect of the conversion means comprising the present invention.A bearing ring assembly 42, having a central bore 44, is secured to theend Wall 38 by means of a plurality of screws 46 and preferably by meansof a weld as well to make the connection permanent. A nylon bearing ring48 is inserted with a press fit into the bore 44 of the bearing assembly42. The bearing ring assembly 42, including the bearing ring 48 whileactually used With only the dangler type of cathode conductors may beleft in place when the disc type acthode conductor is used.

For use with the dangler type cathode conductor 40', a Teflon thrustwasher 50 is inserted within the bearing ring 48 in abutment with theoutside surface of the end wall 38, and a Teflon retaining ring 52 isseated on the thrust washer 50 within the inside diameter of the bearingring 48. While the washer 50 and the ring 52 have been shown as separatecomponents it should be evident that they could be fabricated as asingle unit. A nylon bearing 54, having a central bore 56 and acylindrical extension 58 depending coaxially from one end thereof isformed integrally as a unitary member. As shown in FIG. 3, the extension58 fits into the central opening 39 formed in the end wall 38. Screws 60are used to secure the bearing '54 to a conventional rubber coatedhanger means 62 prior to the final assembly shown in FIG. 3. It will benoted, particularly in FIG. 3, that the dangler type cathode conductor40 extends through the hanger means 62, through the central bore 56formed in the bearing 54 and thus through the wall 38 into the interiorof the tank 10.

From the foregoing it will be readily appreciated that the portion ofthe conversion kit that is adaptable for use with the dangler typecathode conductor may be readily assembled and disassembled with aminimum of special skills and without the need for specialized tools.

As mentioned above the bearing ring assembly 42 and the bearing ring 48are used with both types of cathode conductors. Thus in FIG. 4 it willbe seen that these two components are still in place while the thrustwasher 50, the retaining ring 52 and the bearing 54 have been removed.In their place there is shown in FIG. 4 the components that are usedwith the brass or steel disc type cathode conductor 70.

A stud bushing 72 made of hard rubber is positioned in the opening 39formed in the end wall 38 and a sealing bushing 74, also made of hardrubber, is positioned about the stud bushing 72 externally of the outersurface of the wall 38. While the bushings 72 and 74 have beenillustrated as separate components, it is evident that they may befabricated as a single element. A soft rubber sealing ring 76, a hardrubber sealing washer 78 and a Teflon seal washer 80 are positionedabout the stud bushing 72 and the seal bushing 74. -A steel bearing stud82 is secured to the inside surface of the wall 38 by means of screws84. One end 86 of the bearing stud 82 extends through the wall 38 andthe stud bushing 72 into the lower end of conventional, rubber coveredhanger means 88 in which lubricating grooves are formed in a well knownmanner. The other end 90 of the bearing stud 82 is threaded and passestin'ough a polypropylene thrust plate 92 before it is captured by acanvas base melamine lock nut 94-.

An analysis of FIG. 4 will reveal that the components comprising theconversion kit for use with a plate or disc type cathode conductor maybe readily assembled and disassembled when changing from one type ofelectroplating to another.

From the foregoing it will be evident that improved electroplatingapparatus has been provided wherein a single, polypropylene barrel maybe used with either dangler or disc type cathode conductors. Noalterations need be made to the barrel when converting from one type ofcathode conductor to the other. That is, the end walls of the barrel arenot changed or in any way altered other than to substitute one set ofbushings, rings and washers for another set. This may be done veryrapidly and simply with tools having a complexity of the order of ascrew driver or wrench. Thus the rather substantial expense ofmaintaining two completely separate plating systems is avoided. Further,special skills are not needed to rapidly affect the changeover.

Various changes within the scope of the invention described hereinaboveand illustrated in the drawing may suggest themselves to those skilledin the art. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited to thespecific embodiment shown and described which are intended to exemplifythe scope of this invention which is limited only in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. For use with electroplating apparatus of the type having a pair ofspaced conductive hanger bearing assemblies, the combination of (a) aninsulating barrel having a perforated, cylindrical body portion, a doorin said body portion for permitting access to the interior thereof and apair of axially spaced, transverse end walls integral and non-removablewith respect to said body portion, each said end wall having a boretherethrough;

(b) means for rotating said barrel about the longitudinal axis thereof;and

(c) a cathode conductor kit comprising:

(1) an annular bearing ring assembly secured to the outside surface ofeach said end wall concentrically with the bore therethrough;

(2) a pair of dangler type cathode conductors;

(3) first bearing means adapted to be mounted on each said end wallwithin said annular bearing ring assembly for supporting said pair ofdangler type cathode conductors, said first hearing means having acentral bore that is coaxial with the bore on each said end wall wherebysaid dangler type cathode conductors extend through said first bearingmeans with one end of each dangler type cathode conductor terminating inthe interior of said barrel;

(3) a first pair of hanger bearing assemblies posi tioned outside saidbarrel proximate the end walls thereof for supporting said dangler typecathode conductors;

(4) fastener means for removably securing said first bearing means tosaid first hanger bearing assemblies;

(5) a pair of disc type cathode conductors;

(') a second pair of hanger bearing assemblies adapted to be positionedoutside of said barrel proximate the end walls thereof for supportingsaid disc type cathode conductors;

(6) elongated second bearing means adapted to extend through the centralbore in each said end wall for supporting said disc type cathodeconductors on the inner end thereof, the outer ends of said secondbearing means terminating in said second hanger bearing assemblies; and

(7) fastener means for removably securing said second bearing means tothe interior surface of said end walls,

(8) said annular bearing ring assemblies being maintained in place wheneither type of cathode conductors is used.

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first bearingmeans comprises:

(a) a cup-shaped, plastic Washer having a low coefiicient of friction,the base wall of said cup-shaped washer having a bore therein positionedcoaxially with the bore in said end wall, the base wall of saidcup-shaped washer being in abutment with the outer surface of said endwall, the side wall of said cupshaped washer being positioned withinsaid annular bearing ring assembly; and

(b) a hollow plastic bearing having a first diameter positionedinternally of the side wall of said cupshaped washer, a second coaxialdiameter extending into the bore in said end wall and a transverseinterface between said first and said second diameters, said interfacebearing against the base wall of said cupshaped washer.

3. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said secondbearing means comprises:

(a) a hard elastomer bushing extending through the bore in said end walland outwardly of said barrel and having an enlarged diameter abuttingthe outer surface of said wall;

(b) a metallic bearing stud having a first end removably secured to thehanger bearing assembly, a second 6 threaded end positioned internallyof said barrel and a transverse flange intermediate said first end andsaid second end, said transverse flange abutting the inner surface ofsaid end wall, said bearing stud being positioned within said studbushing, said disc type cathode conductor being mounted on said secondend of said bearing stud overlaying said flange;

(c) a plastic thrust plate mounted on said second end of said bearingstud and overlaying said disc type cathode conductor;

((1) an insulating lock nut threaded in said second end of said bearingstud for capturing said thrust plate and said disc type cathodeconductor;

(e) a soft elastomer seal ring positioned about a portion on theenlarged diameter of said seal bushing remote from said end wall; and

(f) a hard elastomer seal washer and a plastic seal washer positioned intandem about said stud bushing, said elastomer washer abutting theremote end of the enlarged diameter of said seal bushing, said plasticseal washer being positioned intermediate said elastomer washer and thehanger bearing assembly.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,345,282 10/1967 Jenks 204-2132,315,272 3/1943 Potthoif 204-213 2,673,076 3/1954 Colclesser 2042133,159,560 12/1964 Belke 204213 FOREIGN PATENTS 942,733 11/1963 GreatBritain 204213 1,808,807 3/1970 Germany 2:042l3 JOHN H. MACK, PrimaryExaminer W. I. SOLOMON, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 204-2 l4

